PRP is not the only non-surgical option for hair loss, and it may not be the best standalone choice for every patient. Finasteride, minoxidil, low-level laser therapy, microneedling, exosome therapy, and scalp micropigmentation each address hair loss through different mechanisms, and combining treatments typically outperforms any single approach.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
All Non-Surgical Treatments Compared
| Treatment | How It Works | Effectiveness | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride | Blocks DHT hormone | Stops loss in 83-90%, regrowth in 65% | $10-30 | All stages, prevention |
| Minoxidil | Increases scalp blood flow | Visible improvement in 40-60% | $10-50 | Norwood 2-5, crown thinning |
| PRP | Growth factor stimulation | 30-40% density increase | $125-500 (amortized) | Norwood 2-4, early loss |
| LLLT | Photobiomodulation of follicles | Modest improvement in 40-50% | $15-80 (device amortized) | Mild thinning, adjunct therapy |
| Microneedling | Stimulates wound healing response | 30-40% improvement (with minoxidil) | $20-50 (home) | Combine with topicals |
| Exosome therapy | Cell signaling stimulation | Limited clinical data | $500-2,500/session | Experimental, early adopters |
| SMP | Cosmetic pigment tattoo | Visual density only | One-time $2,000-4,000 | Norwood 5-7, visual solution |
1. Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride is the most clinically validated non-surgical hair loss treatment. It blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT, the hormone responsible for androgenetic alopecia.
Key data points:
- Stops further hair loss in 83 to 90% of men
- Produces visible regrowth in approximately 65% of men
- Takes 3 to 6 months for initial results, 12 months for full effect
- Costs $10 to $30 per month for generic
- Available by prescription only
- Must be taken continuously; hair loss resumes if you stop
Side effects: A small percentage of men (2-4%) report sexual side effects including reduced libido and erectile changes. These side effects are reversible in most cases upon discontinuation.
PRP comparison: Finasteride addresses the root hormonal cause of hair loss while PRP stimulates follicles locally. Many dermatologists recommend using both together for maximum benefit.
2. Minoxidil (Rogaine)
Minoxidil is a topical vasodilator available over the counter in 2% and 5% concentrations. It works by increasing blood flow to the scalp and extending the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
Key data points:
- Produces visible improvement in 40 to 60% of users
- Available as liquid, foam, or oral (off-label, prescription required)
- Takes 4 to 6 months for results
- Costs $10 to $50 per month
- No prescription needed for topical
- Must be used continuously
Side effects: Scalp irritation, unwanted facial hair growth (especially in women using 5%), initial shedding in the first 2-4 weeks.
PRP comparison: Minoxidil is significantly cheaper than PRP on a monthly basis. PRP does not require daily application. Combining PRP with minoxidil has shown better results than either treatment alone in clinical studies.
3. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
LLLT uses red or near-infrared light at specific wavelengths (630-670nm) to stimulate cellular activity in hair follicles. The treatment is FDA-cleared for both men and women.
Key data points:
- Modest improvement in hair density for 40 to 50% of users
- Available as caps, helmets, combs, and in-clinic panels
- Home devices cost $200 to $1,000 (one-time purchase)
- In-clinic sessions cost $25 to $80 each
- Treatment time: 15 to 30 minutes, 3 times per week
- Takes 3 to 6 months for visible results
Side effects: Minimal. Occasionally mild scalp warmth or tingling during use.
PRP comparison: LLLT is less invasive than PRP (no needles, no blood draw) but generally produces more modest results. LLLT works well as a complement to PRP, minoxidil, or finasteride rather than as a standalone treatment.
4. Microneedling
Microneedling uses fine needles (0.5-1.5mm) to create controlled micro-injuries in the scalp, triggering a wound healing response that includes growth factor release and collagen production.
Key data points:
- Most effective when combined with minoxidil (30-40% improvement)
- Home derma rollers cost $10 to $30, replaced every 4-8 weeks
- Professional microneedling sessions cost $100 to $300
- Treatment frequency: every 1 to 2 weeks
- Takes 3 to 6 months for results
Side effects: Temporary redness, mild scalp tenderness for 24-48 hours, risk of infection if equipment is not properly sterilized.
PRP comparison: Microneedling creates a similar wound healing cascade to PRP but at a much lower cost. Some clinics combine PRP with microneedling, injecting PRP immediately after microneedling the scalp to enhance absorption.
5. Exosome Therapy
Exosome therapy is a newer regenerative treatment that delivers cell-derived signaling molecules directly to the scalp. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that carry growth factors, proteins, and RNA between cells.
Key data points:
- Limited published clinical data for hair loss
- Costs $500 to $2,500 per session
- Protocol similar to PRP: 3-4 sessions, maintenance schedule
- Not FDA-approved for hair loss
- Offered by regenerative medicine clinics
Side effects: Similar to PRP (mild redness, swelling). Long-term safety data is limited.
PRP comparison: Exosome therapy is significantly more expensive than PRP and has less clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness. Consider PRP as the more established option unless your provider has strong data supporting exosomes for your case.
6. Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
SMP is a cosmetic tattoo procedure that deposits pigment dots into the scalp to create the visual appearance of hair follicles. It does not grow real hair but produces immediate visual density.
Key data points:
- Creates the appearance of a full buzz cut or adds visual density
- Costs $2,000 to $4,000 for full treatment
- Results visible immediately
- Lasts 3 to 5 years before touch-up needed
- No ongoing medication required
PRP comparison: SMP is cosmetic only and does not stimulate hair growth. PRP stimulates actual biological regrowth but takes months to show results. Patients at Norwood 5-7 where PRP is unlikely to work may get more value from SMP.
Building a Combination Protocol
The strongest non-surgical approach combines multiple treatments that work through different mechanisms. A common evidence-based protocol:
| Component | Role | Cost per Month |
|---|---|---|
| Finasteride 1mg daily | Block DHT at the source | $10-30 |
| Minoxidil 5% twice daily | Increase scalp blood flow | $10-50 |
| PRP every 4-6 months | Growth factor boost | $80-330 (amortized) |
| Microneedling weekly | Enhance topical absorption | $5-15 (home) |
This combination addresses hair loss from multiple angles: hormonal, vascular, growth factor stimulation, and enhanced absorption. Discuss the right combination for your situation with a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist.
For full PRP pricing details, read the PRP cost guide.
Find Your Best Treatment Match
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